Association of ALS to gene-environment mediated changes in HDL proteins

Northwestern University At Chicago, Evanston IL

Investigators

Abstract

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or Lou Gehrig disease is a fatal neurodegenerative disease that primarily affects mid-life and older adults. There are two forms of disease, familial (FALS) and sporadic (SALS), respectively comprising 10% and 90% of cases, respectively. The genetic causes of FALS have been linked to mutations in several genes such as superoxide dismutase, TDP-43, FUS, optineurin, ubiquilin 2 and C9ORF72. The etiology of SALS, however, remains elusive. A few years ago our laboratory found that there were polymorphisms in genes for enzymes called paraoxonases that were associated with SALS. These enzymes detoxify certain pesticides and toxic agents, and thus became the first environmentally related genes linked to ALS. Further studies of the paraoxonases and apolipoprotein L1 in the plasma indicate that their levels are significantly elevated in SALS patients. These proteins are found on specific high density lipoprotein (HDL) particles that have several functions including lipid and cholesterol transport and protecting lipoproteins from deleterious oxidation. Similar particles are also found in the cerebrospinal flui (CSF). Thus, in this proposal we further characterize the protein composition of selected HDL species in the plasma and CSF of SALS patients using high throughput technologies. We can now, for the first, time determine how certain HDL proteins change in a neurodegenerative disease and if they are linked to the disease process. We will also determine whether the genes for HDL-associated proteins contain variants that are associated with risk of SALS and whether these changes are related to alterations in HDL protein levels. Mechanisms of the deleterious effects of these changes will be studied in cell culture and genetically engineered mice. Results from this work will open paths to therapies to rescue potential dysfunctional HDL found not only in neurodegenerative disease such as ALS but also in more common cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.